Molen c. 1886 - 1898

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing of a windmill, titled 'Molen', using black chalk. Breitner came of age during a time when the Netherlands was reckoning with its colonial past and its identity as a modern nation. Breitner was known for capturing the changing urban landscape of Amsterdam, and this drawing reflects his interest in everyday subjects. While windmills may seem like quaint symbols of Dutch heritage, they were also industrial structures essential to the country’s economy. The sketch-like quality here underscores the tension between tradition and progress. Notice how the rough lines and unfinished quality capture a fleeting moment, which invites us to reflect on the passage of time and the evolving relationship between people and their environment. Breitner once said, "Painting is seeing and feeling." In this light we can consider how 'Molen' expresses a personal connection to the landscape and a desire to capture its essence.